Econ 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Notes

Course Overview

Introduction to Microeconomics

This course, Econ 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis, provides students with a foundational understanding of microeconomic principles. The course is structured to encourage critical thinking about how microeconomic concepts apply to real-world situations and everyday life. Students will explore the core principles of microeconomics, firm behavior, and consumer behavior, preparing them for further study or practical application.

• Course Structure: Divided into three main sections, each culminating in an exam.

• Learning Approach: Emphasizes active participation, critical analysis, and application of microeconomic theory.

• Materials: Utilizes a primary textbook, supplemental coursepack, and online homework platform (MyLab).

Course Content Structure

Main Topics Covered

The course content aligns with standard microeconomics curriculum and is divided into three major sections:

1. Fundamentals of Economics

   • Goals of economics

   • How economists study the economy

   • Supply and demand

   • Elasticity

   • Taxes and price controls

   • Externalities

2. Firm Behavior

   • Monopolies

   • Price discrimination

   • Oligopoly

   • Basic game theory

3. Consumer Behavior and Applications

   • Behavioral economics

   • Income distribution

Textbook: Principles of Microeconomics, 14th Edition by Case, Fair, & Oster.

Assessment and Grading

Grade Components

Grades are earned through a point system called "EconBucks," which are accumulated via participation, homework, exams, and the final exam. The grading scale is transparent and based on total points earned.

Component	Points
Class Participation (Think-Pair-Share)	1,500
MyLab Homework	1,500
Exam 1	1,800
Exam 2	1,800
Exam 3	1,800
Final Exam	1,600
Total	10,000

Grade Scale

Letter Grade	EconBucks Required
A	≥ 9,300
A-	9,000 - 9,299
B+	8,700 - 8,999
B	8,300 - 8,699
B-	8,000 - 8,299
C+	7,700 - 7,999
C	7,000 - 7,699
D	6,000 - 6,999
F	≤ 5,999

• Homework: Completed via MyLab, with the lowest two scores dropped. Homework is due after each chapter is covered in class.

• Exams: Three midterms and a cumulative final. Make-up policies require valid, documented excuses.

• Participation: Earned through Think-Pair-Share activities; attendance is not mandatory but highly encouraged.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance: Not required except on exam days, but essential for success due to in-class note-taking and participation points.

• Think-Pair-Share: Interactive activities that contribute to participation grade. Excess points are available to accommodate occasional absences.

Homework Policy

• All homework is completed online through MyLab, accessible via Canvas.

• Homework is available after each chapter and due shortly after coverage in class.

• Students may redo homework for credit until the exam covering that material.

• Enrollment in MyLab is mandatory before the first exam.

Exam Policy

• Three midterms and a cumulative final exam.

• Exams must be taken at the scheduled time and location; valid excuses with documentation are required for make-ups.

• Grades are updated on Canvas after each exam; homework grades are updated after the third exam.

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to Penn State's academic integrity policy is required.

• All coursework must be completed independently unless otherwise specified.

• Use of generative AI for assignments or communication is prohibited and may result in severe penalties, including a zero in the course.

Special Needs and Accommodations

• Penn State provides resources and accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Students must contact the appropriate office and provide documentation to receive accommodations.

Support and Resources

Instructor and TA Support

• Professor: Sean Inoue (contact via email for course-related questions).

• TA Office Hours: Available for additional support.

• Guided Study Groups: Led by a previous student, offering review sessions and exam preparation.

Communication Policy

• Check the syllabus before emailing questions.

• Use the designated course email for general inquiries; direct urgent matters to the professor's email.

• Include course name and section in all correspondence.

• Do not use generative AI to compose emails to the instructor.

Additional Information

• Course Materials: All required materials are available for purchase via Canvas. The coursepack includes supplemental notes and practice exams.

• Policy Changes: The instructor may update policies (except grading/exam policy) with advance notice.

Example Application: The course's structure and policies are designed to mirror real-world expectations in professional and academic environments, emphasizing personal responsibility, integrity, and active engagement.

Additional info: The syllabus outlines a standard introductory microeconomics course, covering all major topics listed in the provided chapter titles. While specific content details (e.g., definitions, formulas) are not included in the syllabus, the structure ensures comprehensive coverage of microeconomic principles, models, market structures, and applications.